The Delta State Police Command has struck a major blow against violent crime, dismantling a kidnap gang and rescuing three victims from a forest hideout near Issele-Uku.
The operation, which also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, followed a kidnapping report received by the Issele-Uku Division on March 16, 2026.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, said security operatives acted swiftly after the report.
“Sequel to the report, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Aderemi Badiru, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, quickly mobilised and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, combing identified hideouts within the surrounding bush,” he said.
He noted that the mission resulted in a fierce gun battle between the security team and the suspects.
“During the encounter, one of the suspects was fatally wounded, while the three victims were rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their families,” Edafe added.
Further operations in the forest led to the arrest of a 22-year-old suspect, Ahmadu Hassan, from Kange Village in Awe LGA of Nasarawa State, who sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange.
Security operatives also recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with four rounds of live ammunition from the area.
According to the police, the suspect who was critically injured during the gunfight later died, and his body has been deposited in a mortuary, while the arrested suspect is receiving treatment under police custody.
Efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the gang.
The State Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, praised the courage and collaboration of the operatives and supporting security outfits, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to rooting out criminal networks across the state.
He also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing security efforts.
